300 Tdi crank holding tool

[damienb]

Half way through a timing belt change, with everything apart, and waiting for the minor kit to arrive from karcraft.

Does anyone still sell the tool Maxidrive used to make - referenced here http://www.aulro.com/afvb/technical-chatter/41834-300tdi-timing-belt-what-went-wrong-everything-2.html#post588978
Or am I going to hafta make one? It doesn't look too difficult to make, but putting a 60 mm hole in 6mm plate without an oxy or drill press is not so fun :(

My tips so far: Trade tools direct sells the 3/4" L bar and 27mm socket for $22 and $15 respectively. Nice kit, and the starter is perfect to undo. Karcraft sells the minor kit cheap. My '96 Auto Disco ES has a lot more hoses and pipes than your Defender.

/Damien

[langy]

As a fellow TDi owner, I find that the sliding t bar fits better than a L bar - and then buy a 1m length of steel pipe to fit over whatever bar you use to get the necessary leverage to torque the crank bolt up right.

Kincrome Group - Product Catalogue (http://www.kincrome.com.au/web/catalogue/search/product_display.php?partnumber=KC105C)

Do remember to put something in front of the radiator to protect it - nothing more upsetting than finishing a belt change than putting a hole in the damm thing (Don't ask how I know this..).

As to holding the crank to torque it up, if you decide not to make the holder for the front end, try using a M12 fine thread HT bolt in the timing slot on the torque converter housing. My local industrial fastener shop machined a 5mm wide by 5mm long spigot into the end of a 75mm long bolt, and it has worked well a number of times. Be aware that I have a manual gearbox, and the timing slot is accessible through the wading plug in the bottom of the housing, which may make a difference (As would having a flex plate vs a clutch plate)

[rick130]

I used 60mm ID hollow bar, but you still need a mill or drill press to drill the bolt holes, but someone around Brisvegas should have one they could lend.

[langy]

Edit -oops - wrong KC

[damienb]

Fair enough - I've pulled pricing info from the OP, but have to fully recommend Karcraft anyway for price and attitude. I'm definitely retail, BTW. I've got an auto, and am (frankly) a bit scared to use timing tools to lock against 450 Nm or whatever. I've actually got a good press stored away, and can do a crank tool, but it means a Saturday lost to make something on what has been a quick and easy job so far.

/Damien